Fancy Little Thingshttp://fancylittlethings.com
Bringing the True, Pure & Lovely...Tue, 31 Mar 2015 14:03:20 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.831924677Being an Intentional Friendhttp://fancylittlethings.com/2015/03/being-an-intentional-friend/
Tue, 31 Mar 2015 14:03:20 +0000http://fancylittlethings.com/?p=9807I have learned a lot about friendship in the last 20-ish years of my life. I remember the clique phases of grade school, junior high, and high school. I know how hard it is to stay in touch with your high school friends when you attend different colleges. I know what’s its like to make ... Continue Reading...]]>

I have learned a lot about friendship in the last 20-ish years of my life.

I remember the clique phases of grade school, junior high, and high school. I know how hard it is to stay in touch with your high school friends when you attend different colleges. I know what’s its like to make lifelong friends at college, and keep those friendships.

I also know what it feels like to watch a friendship completely crumble, seemingly with no warning, leaving you to pick up the pieces and wonder what went wrong.

Friendship at this stage in my life is a strange one, no doubt. I am lucky to be blessed with several amazing friends, who love me for me, love my kids and my hubby, and intentionally make time to spend with me. I intentionally try to do the same. With busy schedules and kids and life, sometimes it is hard. I find when I take the time to invest in my friends, the rewards are great. I’ve been more conscious of this ever since a crumbled friendship left me asking so many questions.

“Am I a bad friend?”

“What did I do wrong?”

“What can I change about myself?”

It was eye opening. I realized that maybe I didn’t need to change as much as I had originally thought. Here’s what I learned:

Lower your expectations.

Friendships aren’t built on grand gestures or extravagance. In an age where everyone is “busy”, we must not expect our friends to move mountains on our behalf. Their presence and interest in our lives is important but it doesn’t have to be suffocating. It’s not always going to be puppy dog tails and rainbows. Friendships go through hard things and tough times, and when you are there on the other side, it is all worth it.

Be open.

A real friend tells the truth, even if it hurts. Being open about your life, your strengths, and your weaknesses will serve you well in a friendship. God brings you the people you will need, but we must protect and treasure their friendship in our lives.

Continually improve yourself.

Being a better friend starts with being a better YOU. When we are busy day in and day out, not meeting the needs of ourselves and our families, it is hard to be a good friend. There are days where I know I won’t be a good friend because I am struggling under my own roof. But there are days when I know I can reach out and make someone’s day a little brighter.

I am learning that friendships get better with age. When we take the time to cultivate and maintain friendships, they are such a blessing in our lives. I encourage you today to take the time to call, text, or email a friend– let them know you are thinking of them and that they are a blessing to you. You won’t regret it!

]]>9807New Mercieshttp://fancylittlethings.com/2015/01/new-mercies/
Tue, 06 Jan 2015 11:00:35 +0000http://fancylittlethings.com/?p=9765There is something so fresh and wonderful about the start of a new year. As I jot down a few goals and plans, it’s like I am getting a fresh start. A new year. A chance to change what I didn’t love about last year. January always feels full of life and hope. There is ... Continue Reading...]]>

There is something so fresh and wonderful about the start of a new year. As I jot down a few goals and plans, it’s like I am getting a fresh start. A new year. A chance to change what I didn’t love about last year. January always feels full of life and hope. There is nothing I love more than getting the Christmas decor down and starting with a fresh slate in my home. It jump starts my creative spirit and energy, and gives me a clean start. It gives me a renewed sense of purpose!

Did you know that this feeling with Christ is something that we can feel daily?

His mercies are new each morning.

Each. Morning.

Is it sinking in?

And they never end! We can find rest in Him daily. What an amazing gift He has given us.

I encourage you today, to enjoy this feeling of newness but really understand that it doesn’t have to end when the calendar turns to February. Relish in His promises for what is to come in the new year.

]]>9765What I Want My Children to Love about Christmashttp://fancylittlethings.com/2014/12/what-i-want-my-children-to-love-about-christmas/
Fri, 12 Dec 2014 11:00:47 +0000http://fancylittlethings.com/?p=9760Christmas time is my favorite time of year, and as far as I can remember, it always has been. I always looked forward to Christmas time. I remember doing an advent calendar with my parents, and getting to be part of the advent readings at church. I remember matching Christmas Eve dresses, going caroling with ... Continue Reading...]]>

Christmas time is my favorite time of year, and as far as I can remember, it always has been. I always looked forward to Christmas time. I remember doing an advent calendar with my parents, and getting to be part of the advent readings at church. I remember matching Christmas Eve dresses, going caroling with our youth group, and the day we always set aside to do all of our holiday baking. I want them to know the time and care (and fun!) that goes into making our holiday goodies. It is a day I look forward to every year.

I want them to hear stories of how their dad and I started dating right before Christmas, and how every year, the nostalgia of the season brings me back to 13 years ago– our very first date. I fell in love exactly 4 months later, and never looked back.

I want them to know that putting up the Christmas tree is something I look forward to every year, and it has always been a family event. I want them to always want to be a part of decorating our home, so that one day they will be excited to do that for their own family.

I want to cultivate the spirit of Christmas, the fun of Santa Claus, while knowing that Christ comes first. I want them to want to give to others as well as receive, and to instill in them an attitude of Thanksgiving that lasts all year. I want them to know that even when life doesn’t seem to be going their way, we can still have a grateful heart for the blessings we have.

I want them to remember the Christmas story, how Mary and Joseph headed to Bethlehem only to find no room at the inn. I want them to know how God sent Jesus to be our savior. I want them to know how the Angels rejoiced when Christ was born. I want them to know that God loves them so, so very much. I want them to experience all of the wonder and magic that comes with the Christmas season.

Now starts the wonder of the Christmas season and I hope to make it a memorable one.

]]>9760How to Prep Your Home for the Holidayshttp://fancylittlethings.com/2014/11/how-to-prep-your-home-for-the-holidays/
Wed, 19 Nov 2014 12:00:49 +0000http://fancylittlethings.com/?p=9746Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK, and we all know that Christmas is right around the corner. It’s hard to NOT see the amount of Christmas decor, Black Friday ads, and depending on where you live, the cold weather. (Every year I question why we live in Illinois!) The holiday season can be a busy time, but ... Continue Reading...]]>

Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK, and we all know that Christmas is right around the corner. It’s hard to NOT see the amount of Christmas decor, Black Friday ads, and depending on where you live, the cold weather. (Every year I question why we live in Illinois!) The holiday season can be a busy time, but don’t stress! Here are a few ways to prep your home for the rush of the holiday season.

Stock up on coffee, tea, and other warm drinks.

Nothing is as inviting as a nice cup of coffee or hot tea– or my favorite, peppermint hot chocolate! If you have unexpected visitors and no food prepared? A cup of coffee would do just fine. If you ARE expecting company and are looking for a nice hot drink to serve, try this recipe for Hot Vanilla or this Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate!

Make sure your home smells good.

With two kids, my house doesn’t always look perfectly put together. But with the help of my Scentsy and some holiday scented candles, my house always smells inviting! There is nothing better than that cozy smell when walking into a home. If it smells cozy, it will BE cozy– even despite the messes.

Decorate a focal point.

Do you have a fireplace mantle? Or something cute in your entryway? Decorate it and make it the focal point of your home this holiday season! It will give a cozy, welcoming atmosphere to your home. Here are a few to get you inspired– here, here, and here!

Spruce up your bathrooms.

Holiday cheer is easily carried out in your bathrooms with scents of the season. Pick up some fun soaps, switch out your hand towel for a more festive one, and let the season infiltrate every room of your home.

]]>9746Learning to Be Stillhttp://fancylittlethings.com/2014/09/learning-to-be-still/
Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:17:27 +0000http://fancylittlethings.com/?p=9680Being still is not something that I am good at. I’m a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend with a lot of hats to wear during the days, and taking time for me is hard. I like the hustle and bustle of life, I like to be busy, and I like to have a creative outlet. ... Continue Reading...]]>

Being still is not something that I am good at. I’m a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend with a lot of hats to wear during the days, and taking time for me is hard. I like the hustle and bustle of life, I like to be busy, and I like to have a creative outlet. I like having places to go and plans on my calendar and things to look forward to.

But sometimes, I need to be still.

It’s tough. Sometimes I feel like if I am being still, that constitutes lazy, and that seems to leave a guilty feeling in my heart. My inner voice starts to take over and before I know it, I am back at it– tackling my to do list or helping the kids with something.

There are days where I have to say “enough” and I just need 5 minutes of quiet. 5 minutes of peace to let my brain stop and process. 5 minutes for me. Sometimes, I make a cup of coffee and sit with my journal. Sometimes I stay a little longer in the shower.Sometimes I sit with the kids while they look at a book or watch part of a movie. I want them to know that being still is good. That it’s OK to want to take a break, and to fuel your tank with something just for you.

I’m a better mom when I can have a break. When I can get away from the routine and read something, write something, or capture something. I’m a better wife when I have time to pursue something of my interest outside of what the kids are doing. I’m a better friend when I make time for MY friends.

It is through learning to be still that I have really felt God’s grace. His grace is enough— even on the days when I need a break from this precious life He has given me. It’s ok to say “enough” once in a while and retreat for 5 minutes. Just know that you aren’t alone if you are craving a break, and it doesn’t make you selfish. It makes you a better version of yourself– and somedays, that is the BEST reason to be still.

]]>96803 Tips for Pattern Mixinghttp://fancylittlethings.com/2014/09/3-tips-for-pattern-mixing/
Fri, 05 Sep 2014 10:00:18 +0000http://fancylittlethings.com/?p=9606I will admit, I am the first person to be timid about pattern mixing with my clothes. It’s sometimes tough to do, and I am brainwashed in a matchy match kind of way. I have been branching out and fall is my favorite time of year to pattern mix. Tons of options, even if you ... Continue Reading...]]>

I will admit, I am the first person to be timid about pattern mixing with my clothes. It’s sometimes tough to do, and I am brainwashed in a matchy match kind of way. I have been branching out and fall is my favorite time of year to pattern mix. Tons of options, even if you want to ease into it. I’m here to help!

One: Choose prints with different proportions.

Pair something simple, like a small dot, with something bold, like a plaid or a stripe. This keeps it easier on the eyes, and if you stay within the same color family, it will be a classy, fun look!

Two: Start with a scarf!

The easiest way to start mixing patterns is to start by using scarves. I have a LOT of them, so this is my favorite way! Start with a neutral top and add a pop of color or texture. If you are feeling more brave, start with a patterned top and add a neutral scarf. The possibilities are endless.

Three: Stay within the same color family.

This doesn’t mean that all of your patterns must be blue, but choose a scheme to help tie in your outfit. Neons, jewel tones, hues of blue… you name it! Cohesiveness will help ease your fears about pattern mixing, and you may find that you have a LOT of patterns in your closet that you never thought about wearing together!

Start in your closest and see what you have to start with! Then, don’t be afraid to buy a great patterned cardigan or plaid button down to tie in what you already have! It doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you start small and work your way up to something really bold!

]]>9606Carry Into Fallhttp://fancylittlethings.com/2014/08/carry-into-fall/
Wed, 27 Aug 2014 11:00:50 +0000http://fancylittlethings.com/?p=9560Fall is on the horizon, and the trend I am seeing popping up a LOT is the leather tote bag. SO stunning, versatile, and classy! Here are a few of my favorites to get you inspired for your own… Deux Lux’ Elle Tote Mamuye Tote Transport Tote The Perfect Tote From work to nights out, ... Continue Reading...]]>

Fall is on the horizon, and the trend I am seeing popping up a LOT is the leather tote bag. SO stunning, versatile, and classy!

Which one is your favorite? I don’t think I can choose!

]]>9560How to Wear Stripeshttp://fancylittlethings.com/2014/07/how-to-wear-stripes/
Fri, 01 Aug 2014 03:59:02 +0000http://fancylittlethings.com/?p=9394I love me a good stripe. It’s a classic pattern that almost never gets old. However, some people are scared to wear them and honestly, I can’t blame them. Stripes get a bad rap. If you wear them the wrong way, they make you appear bigger than you really are and WHO wants that? No ... Continue Reading...]]>

I love me a good stripe.

It’s a classic pattern that almost never gets old. However, some people are scared to wear them and honestly, I can’t blame them. Stripes get a bad rap. If you wear them the wrong way, they make you appear bigger than you really are and WHO wants that? No one!

]]>9394Embracing a Simplistic Lifestylehttp://fancylittlethings.com/2014/07/embracing-a-simplistic-lifestyle/
Mon, 14 Jul 2014 03:59:28 +0000http://fancylittlethings.com/?p=9387When people ask me how I am doing, my auto-pilot response is “busy”. It’s never a lie– I am busy! With two kiddos, half of summer left, and things getting busier at my parents business, plus our recent move, this is one of the busiest times of year for us. I know I am not ... Continue Reading...]]>

When people ask me how I am doing, my auto-pilot response is “busy”. It’s never a lie– I am busy! With two kiddos, half of summer left, and things getting busier at my parents business, plus our recent move, this is one of the busiest times of year for us. I know I am not the only one that seems “busy” all the time.

But how do we get un-busy?

About two months before we moved, I sat down with my husband and told him that I could not keep up this pace of life. Things were too busy. I was overwhelmed, feeling like I could barely stay afloat. We weren’t scheduling any time for just US or our family of four, and I was getting worried that our priorities were starting to shift in a bad direction. I didn’t know how to make life more simplistic, but I craved it, and knew it would have to start with both of us on the same page.

Here’s the kicker: we CHOSE to be busy. Busy is not a bad thing! It can be a really, really good thing. Our busy got out of hand, and we needed to shift our priorities and start being intentional.

Then, we moved. Seemingly overnight, our life became simpler. Just moving to a house in the country seemed to be an easy fix. We can’t explain it other than we know we are so happy here and made the right decision. God had such a hand in this, and I have been praising Him for this opportunity for a clean slate. A fresh start for our family.

Lately we have been busy making our new house a home, finishing little projects, and spending our evenings with a campfire outside. The good kind of busy that has me relishing this time with my kids, wanting summer days to never end. The good kind of busy that is intentional with our schedule and knowing when we need to just spend time together.

This, friends, is the best kind of busy to be. I am embracing this simplistic change in our life and learning a whole lot along the way. If you are feeling overwhelmed with your busy lifestyle, first pray about it. Talk to your spouse and make a game plan, and start being intentional. You may be surprised with the results.

You may find that your life can be busy yet simplistic, and definitely worth embracing.

]]>9387How to Survive Movinghttp://fancylittlethings.com/2014/06/how-to-survive-moving/
Mon, 23 Jun 2014 03:59:12 +0000http://fancylittlethings.com/?p=9326 Whew! The last couple of weeks around here have been a whirlwind! We moved! Nothing too outrageous– literally only a few miles. The process itself is daunting no matter what distance you are moving. There’s LOTS to think about– so let’s break down some of the important stuff to get started. Label boxes correctly ... Continue Reading...]]>

Whew! The last couple of weeks around here have been a whirlwind! We moved! Nothing too outrageous– literally only a few miles. The process itself is daunting no matter what distance you are moving. There’s LOTS to think about– so let’s break down some of the important stuff to get started.

Label boxes correctly and specifically.

The things that I boxed were labeled as to what ALL was in them, and what room I wanted that box to be in when the trailer was unloaded. This lessens the chance that something gets lost, and it’s helpful for whoever helps you move to know where to go with it!

Ask for help, then use it wisely.

My sister and Brandon’s aunt were fantastic when we moved because I asked them to put my kitchen together. I knew I wouldn’t get to it for at least a day or so, and I wanted that part of our home to be functional. If you have friends and family that are good at those sort of tasks (organization) with very little direction, don’t be afraid to ask them for help! The end result for me was that I didn’t have an overwhelming kitchen to put together after a long weekend of moving.

Make a list of utilities you have to cancel or change.

Moving into a new house is fun, but then when I realized how much work I would have to do to get the loose ends on the other house tied up, I was overwhelmed! I started with a list, and each day for a couple of days I would cross a few items off of that list.

Set up the bedrooms first.

This was a fantastic decision that we made. After a long day of moving, I knew our bed was set up with clean sheets, that most of our clothes were in the correct spot, and that we could deal with the bigger things the following day. This also proved to be smart when we brought the kids to the new house– they played in their new rooms for a good chunk of time, letting us continue to unpack.

Give yourself grace.

We lived in our last home for 6.5 years, so having our new home set up just like we wanted it the same weekend we moved? Not feasible. It takes time! Give yourself some grace, keep making lists, and most importantly, enjoy your new space!